Craft Shows & Fairs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia's craft show scene extends from the convention center stage to open-air squares and historic neighborhoods. The city is home to one of the country's most respected juried craft shows, an active contemporary maker community, and seasonal markets that draw shoppers from across the region.

Philadelphia's Craft Show Scene

The centerpiece of Philadelphia's craft calendar is the Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show, now in its 50th year in 2026.

Dates: November 6–8, 2026 (Preview Gala: November 5)
Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th & Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Artists: 195 juried artists across 13 craft categories
Nationally competitive application process; one of the premier fine craft shows in the US

The Rittenhouse Square Spring Fine Craft Show takes the outdoor format to one of Philadelphia's most beloved public spaces.

Dates: May 8–10, 2026
Hours: 10 AM–6 PM Friday & Saturday; 10 AM–5 PM Sunday
Location: Rittenhouse Square, Center City Philadelphia
150+ fine craft artisans; free to attend

The PA Guild of Craftsmen Fall Fine Craft Fair is in the suburbs but accessible from the city.

Dates: October 24–25, 2026 (10 AM–5 PM)
Location: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA 19456 (~22 miles from Center City)
80 juried artists

Craft Now Philadelphia (craftnowphila.org) connects local makers with markets across the city — Old City, Fishtown, South Philly, and Manayunk throughout the year.

County Events & Holiday Markets Near Philadelphia

Philadelphia County has no traditional agricultural fair — it's fully urban. Nearby county fair options:

Chester County fair — western suburbs
Delaware County fair — southwestern suburbs
Bucks County fair — northern suburbs

Holiday markets in Philadelphia:

Christmas Village at LOVE Park (City Hall area) — November–December; mix of local artisans and imported goods
Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market — specifically spotlights locally made goods; December

The Manayunk Arts Festival (June) brings fine artists and craft vendors to Main Street in Manayunk along the Schuylkill River — one of the better outdoor shows of the summer.

Best Times to Visit Philadelphia for Craft Events

May — Rittenhouse Square Spring Fine Craft Show (May 8–10); pleasant weather for outdoor browsing October — PA Guild Fall Fine Craft Fair at Oaks (October 24–25); good for quality juried handmade shopping before the holiday rush November — PMA Craft Show (November 6–8); the flagship event; Preview Gala tickets sell out; book early December — Christmas Village at LOVE Park; Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market; festive city atmosphere

Nearby Cities for Craft Shows

Bethlehem, PA — ~50 miles north; Christkindlmarkt at SteelStacks, six weekends November–December, 150+ artisans
Reading, PA — ~60 miles northwest; Reading-Berks Guild of Craftsmen; Berks County Fair (July)
Lancaster, PA — ~70 miles west; Lititz Craft Show (October), PA Guild Summer Fair (June), Long's Park Festival (Labor Day)
Allentown, PA — ~55 miles north; Great Allentown Fair (Labor Day), Lehigh Valley Fiber Festival (September)
Kutztown, PA — ~55 miles northwest; Kutztown Folk Festival (July 4–12, oldest folk festival in America)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best craft shows in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

The Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (November 6–8) is the top event for fine craft. The Rittenhouse Square Spring Fine Craft Show (May 8–10) is the best outdoor option. The PA Guild Fall Fine Craft Fair at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks (October 24–25) rounds out the season.

When do craft shows happen in Philadelphia?

May: Rittenhouse Square Spring Fine Craft Show
June: Manayunk Arts Festival
October: PA Guild Fair at Oaks
November: PMA Craft Show (biggest event of year)
December: Christmas Village, Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market

Are there country fairs near Philadelphia?

Philadelphia County has no agricultural county fair. Chester, Delaware, and Bucks counties (all within an hour's drive) each hold annual fairs in summer. For the most immersive folk festival experience in the region, the Kutztown Folk Festival (~55 miles northwest) runs nine days starting July 4.

Is there a handmade market scene in Philadelphia?

Yes. Craft Now Philadelphia coordinates maker markets across city neighborhoods year-round. Fishtown and Manayunk are active creative neighborhoods. The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market spotlights locally produced goods each December.

Find Events in Philadelphia

Search CraftShow Events to see current and upcoming craft shows, artisan markets, and county fair events in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.